Open Daily

Current Exhibitions

10:00 am

Tour

10:00 am

Chicago is more than just the birthplace of the skyscraper—it’s also where most innovations in skyscraper design originated. On this tour, take a step back in time to the late 1800s, to hear stories behind the city’s world-famous early tall buildings…

11:00 am

Tour

11:00 am

Iconic modern and contemporary skyscrapers, as well as works by world-renowned artists, are featured on this 90-minute walking tour. Chicago was at the forefront of Modernism, the style that revolutionized our visual world during the mid-20th century…

11:30 am

Tour

11:30 am

Chicago is known for building some of the world’s first skyscrapers, but how have their designs and technologies changed over time? Explore everything from classic buildings to super-tall highrises to discover how each one is representative of major…

12:15 pm

Tour

12:15 pm

Tour the world’s tallest commercial building with load-bearing masonry walls, completed in 1893 by Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root, and learn about the transition from masonry to steel frame skyscrapers. The Monadnock brings together Egyptian…

Price

$15 public, FREE for CAF members

Duration

0.75 Hour

Meet

Inside the Monadnock Building, 53 W. Jackson Blvd., at the north staircase.

12:30 pm

Tour

12:30 pm

Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of the elevated trains and station platforms while learning the history of the famous "L" system and how it has shaped the development of the buildings within the Loop.

1:00 pm

Program

1:00 pm

Visit the ArcelorMittal Design Studio @ CAF for a free drop-in session to get a taste of design and interact with our current exhibit. The Design Studio is a busy space, so don’t forget to call in advance or check dates below for today’s Open Studio…

1:30 pm

Tour

1:30 pm

Art Deco was a popular, modern style whose lavish materials and geometric ornament epitomized the prosperity and optimism of the Roaring 20s. See how the style enriches the soaring exteriors and opulent interiors of some of the city's most beautiful skyscrapers…

2:00 pm

Tour

2:00 pm

Learn about the great late 19th— and early 20th—century architectural landmarks of Michigan Ave. and State St., ranging from museums to department stores, skyscrapers to concert halls, including the Reliance Building, the Sullivan Center and the Chicago…

4:15 pm

Tour

4:15 pm

See downtown Chicago's beautiful city lights at night and see the holiday lights on Michigan Ave. aboard a heated trolley. The tour includes two stops with views of the city and holiday lights. Learn how both man and nature impacted the development of…

Please disregard the tour time of 4:30pm! Your device can be picked up anytime between 9am—4:30pm on the date you reserve at the CAF Shop and Tour Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave. The device must be returned on the same day.

Please disregard the tour time of 4:30pm! Your device can be picked up anytime between 9am—4:30pm on the date you reserve at the CAF Shop and Tour Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave. The device must be returned on the same day.

Please disregard the tour time of 4:30pm! Your device can be picked up anytime between 9am—4:30pm on the date you reserve at the CAF Shop and Tour Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave. The device must be returned on the same day.

Please disregard the tour time of 4:30pm! Your device can be picked up anytime between 9am—4:30pm on the date you reserve at the CAF Shop and Tour Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave. The device must be returned on the same day.

4:30 pm

Tour

4:30 pm

Can't join us for a tour? Then rent an audio device in your native language! Two tours are available in Japanese- Historic Downtown and Modern Skyscrapers (1950's-present). Pick-up the personal listening device anytime on the day you have reserved…

Price

$20 public, FREE for CAF members

Duration

1.5 Hours

Meet

Please disregard the tour time of 4:30pm! Your device can be picked up anytime between 9am—4:30pm on the date you reserve at the CAF Shop and Tour Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave. The device must be returned on the same day.

Please disregard the tour time of 4:30pm! Your device can be picked up anytime between 9am—4:30pm on the date you reserve at the CAF Shop and Tour Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave. The device must be returned on the same day.

Please disregard the tour time of 4:30pm! Your device can be picked up anytime between 9am—4:30pm on the date you reserve at the CAF Shop and Tour Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave. The device must be returned on the same day.

Please disregard the tour time of 4:30pm! Your device can be picked up anytime between 9am—4:30pm on the date you reserve at the CAF Shop and Tour Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave. The device must be returned on the same day.

6:15 pm

Tour

6:15 pm

See downtown Chicago's beautiful city lights at night and see the holiday lights on Michigan Ave. aboard a heated trolley. The tour includes two stops with views of the city and holiday lights. Learn how both man and nature impacted the development of…